The Philadelphia Eagles are set to kick off their 2025 Training Camp at the NovaCare Complex on Tuesday, July 22. As part of our position-by-position breakdown, today we spotlight the running backs — headlined by the NFL’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year, Saquon Barkley.
Barkley’s Record-Breaking Brilliance
Fresh off one of the most spectacular seasons in league history, Saquon Barkley returns as the Eagles’ star running back. He rushed for an NFL-record 2,504 yards including playoffs, with 1,245 of those yards coming just in the second halves of games — a total that alone would’ve ranked him eighth in the league for the year. Barkley also led the NFL in plays of 10+ yards and shattered the record with seven rushing touchdowns of 60 or more yards.
Key Contributors
Will Shipley: The rookie made a splash on special teams in 2024, finishing tied for third on the team in tackles and flashing his explosive ability with a memorable 57-yard run in the NFC Championship. Shipley will look to build on 117 yards from scrimmage he totaled during his rookie campaign.
Ben VanSumeren: Converted full-time to fullback this offseason after starting his career as a linebacker, VanSumeren played 11 games last year, mainly on special teams, but could see an increased offensive role.
Lew Nichols: Yet to debut in an NFL regular-season game, Nichols was a star rusher at Central Michigan and spent parts of last year on the Eagles’ practice squad.
New Faces in the Backfield
A.J. Dillon: Signed to a one-year deal after missing 2024 with a neck injury, the 247-pound bruiser brings power the Eagles lacked behind Barkley. In his first four NFL seasons, Dillon rushed for over 2,400 yards and caught 86 passes.
Keilan Robinson: Claimed off waivers from the Jaguars just before minicamp, Robinson impressed in college with explosive runs and return skills. He played six games as a rookie in Jacksonville, mainly on special teams.
Montrell Johnson: An undrafted rookie who shined at Florida, Johnson led his team in rushing for two straight years after transferring from Louisiana, finishing college as the SEC’s active leader in rushing touchdowns.
ShunDerrick Powell: Another undrafted rookie, Powell topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his last three college seasons, including a standout 2024 campaign where he averaged 8.2 yards per carry and scored 17 touchdowns.
Storylines to Watch
How will the Eagles manage Barkley’s workload to keep him fresh?
Can A.J. Dillon bounce back after missing all of last season?
Will Will Shipley’s late-season surge carry into Year 2?
How much will the Eagles utilize a full-time fullback with VanSumeren?
Will one of the undrafted rookies crack the roster?
The Big Question
In 2024, the Eagles kept three running backs on their initial 53-man roster. Who will step up in camp to earn those coveted spots this year?
Eagles Running Back Depth: Barkley, Dillon, and Rising Stars Headline 2025 Camp
